Componen Animation sets 'SpongeBob' as first pic

The very first release in the nascent Vital Animation unit is a "SpongeBob SquarePants" pic in 2014, Viacom topper Philippe Dauman told traders on Tuesday.Componen is enhancing an interior toon production operation because it preps for that finish of their distribution pact with DreamWorks Animation. Dauman told Wall Streeters in the Deutsche Bank media confab in Palm Beach, Fla. he needs Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob" franchise to develop a warm reception all over the world.But apart from shedding the title, Dauman did not offer any particulars concerning the project, which isn't thought to possess a author, director or producer attached yet.Componen formerly launched "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie," which drawn in $140 million worldwide in 2004. Dauman noted that Nickelodeon did not possess the global presence then it has today.Par's animation push occurs the heels from the studio's Oscar win on Sunday for animated feature film for "Rango," that was created prior to the studio formally setup an animation wing.Viacom introduced the development of the division last This summer, preempting discussions with DreamWorks Animation on the distribution deal that's set to run out in the finish of the year. Disney alum David Stainton was employed to operate the division, but he resigned as Componen Animation prexy a week ago following a four-month tenure. Componen movie group topper Adam Goodman will oversee the animation team of developers.Dauman did not mention DreamWorks Animation in the remarks Tuesday. He stated the animation division may have thirty to forty people and "we're well on our method to staffing that up." Overhead is going to be modest. "You will find many organisations available, most of which we've been dealing withInch to obtain the business released, he stated.The toon push has been matched having a major growth of consumer items, which Dauman stated has additionally been silently staffing up and will also be more carefully integrated with every content division. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com